Midland's Buckley sworn in as Delta College trustee

Jon Becker, for the Daily News

Updated 1:52 pm, Saturday, January 21, 2017

Andre Buckley, Midland County’s new representative on the Delta College board of trustees, has been sworn into office. Buckley joined Bay County’s Mary Lou Benecke in taking the oath of office after both community leaders won six-year terms in the November 2016 general election.

The new trustees succeed longtime board members, Midland’s Kimberly Houston and Bay City’s Dee Dee Wacksman, both of whom retired in December after distinguished careers as Delta leaders. Buckley has resided in Midland for only five years, but has already made his mark as an accomplished professional with a civic-minded philosophy.

“I’ve lived in Midland for five years and have fully embraced the community,” he said. “The community has embraced me as well and I thought the trustee position was a great opportunity to serve.”

Buckley, a portfolio manager and trading officer with Tri-Star Trust Bank in Midland, volunteers with many other organizations as well. They include the Junior Achievement of Northeast Michigan, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Midland Noon Rotary Club. He also serves on the board of directors of the Saginaw Community Foundation and helps mentor students in the Saginaw Public School System. He credits his predecessor, retired Dow Corning executive Kimberly Houston, for providing an excellent blueprint for community service.

“I have had many opportunities to learn from former trustee Kimberly Houston through her service and leadership over the years throughout the region,” Buckley, who holds a MBA in finance from Saginaw Valley State University, said. “She has encouraged me to use my gifts and talents in this new role. Also, ask questions and get a good understanding of Delta’s mission and strategic plan.”

Buckley cited diversity and enrollment as two points of emphasis at Delta and every other community college.

“I hope to add impactful dialogue and help with solutions,” he said. “Higher education has a very competitive landscape but Delta College is well-positioned to thrive and continue as one of the Great Lakes Bay’s precious jewels.”

In addition to Buckley and Benecke officially taking office, Delta’s board named its officers, headlined by Saginaw County Trustee Dr. Robert Emrich’s selection as chairman of the board. Bay County’s Diane Middleton as vice chair, Debra Lutz as treasurer, Andrea Ursuy as secretary and Talisa Brown as assistant board secretary.

Delta President Jean Goodnow also provided trustees with a revised copy of her 2016-2017 goals. They are: